The Last of the Mohicans

This is a superb version of this classic story. Well cast and well acted, its exteriors are highly evocative of the story's time and place: colonial-era northern New York. Although not as lush as the 1992 movie version, it is acted with more fidelity to the original Victorian tale. Hawkeye is more articulate, Magua more intelligent, the major and the girls, well... the major and the girls are more BRITISH! You'll enjoy it.

Originally aired in America as part of "Masterpiece Theatre" hosted by Alistair Cooke (sic).

A commendable translation to the small screen of the novel - i am assured that it is a more faithful adaption than other tv series or movies - and i believe it - while i never read the novel - i had it at hand to check that the scenes were in order - they were - and much of the novel's dialog was inserted into the script

as an american indian - i was not bothered by the use of white actors in the indian roles - it was common in american tv shows too at the time - i doubt many american indians were strolling around Britain available for casting - and the pitiful budget for this production couldn't afford to import and provide for the real thing

originally the BBC series extended over 6 hours - in 8 episodes - which is more time than movies can afford - which allowed it to contain more of the novel - tho even then - it was condensed - but that's to the audience's advantage - only the really pertinent scenes remain

while much of the series is shot on small sets - and they were forced to use 10s of extras - they had one nice advantage - they were able to utilize the wild landscapes of Scotland - which stand in pretty well for the forests of the american east coast - and the dutiful costuming and makeup comes across even better than many american productions - which had a stereotypical look for indians

as could/should be expected from the BBC tv shows - they cast some lesser known yet highly skilled actors - for me - Kenneth Ives as the rangy & confident Hawkeye - and Philip Madoc as the dark & sinister Magua - were the most charismatic - but all performed at a high level

if only they had the budget to match the positive facets of this production

I have read the Leatherstocking Tales several times over the years. This is my favorite book from that collection. I have seen several versions of this story adapted for film. This is by far the best. It follows the story line better than any other version. I grew up in the Lake George - Glens Falls area of New York where this story is set. I'm also a member of the Boy Scout of America Order of the Arrow. This story is part of my heritage. I first saw this film series in the early 1970's, broadcast on PBS (WMHT). I immediately found it to be enthralling. Unfortunately, it was in a time before home VCR's were available. If I had been able to, I would have saved it to view again in the future. I have been looking for it on VHS for several years. I hope that it will be released on DVD. I would certainly buy it and I would recommend it to everyone that I know.

As a kid, I was moved by this version when it first aired in the 70's and again when I viewed it recently. The richness of dialog in the script and the quality of acting make this version my favorite by far. This is one for your bookshelf.

This remains for me the best film version by far of Cooper's improbable tale. I have vivid memories of it from its first airing. The somewhat stilted script was very much in keeping with Cooper's writing, as were the artificial situations, and melodramatic acting. "Dr. Who" veteran Philip Madoc brings real malice to his role as Magua. Uncas, beautifully acted by Richard Warwick (blue eyes and all)is a genuine leading character, as in Cooper's book, not a mere prop for Hawkeye.

I have been looking for a recorded version since first seeing it without success. I notice that an early comment on this board mentions a 13-part version on DVD. If anyone has any information on how to obtain copies, please post them here or email me!